Old Washington picks three streets to pave in 2004

Published: March 17, 2003 7:00 PM

OLD WASHINGTON Old Washington Village Council decided what streets that will be paved in 2004 at their regular meeting Monday.

Council picked three streets to pave out of the possible six streets council tagged as a major concern. Council selected Lawrence, Oak and Ash streets to be paved in 2004. Council decided to pave only three streets because of the cost.

Mayor Bill Dixon told council the estimate from Parnell and Associates paving company was re-submitted because they did not include one of the streets. The original estimate cost $26,000. After the addition of another street, the estimate totaled over $43,000.

Dixon had originally asked Guernsey County commissioners to help in the paving of the streets via a grant. The estimate given to commissioners was the original $26,000 so council could only pave three streets to fit within the budget.

Council selected the three streets to be paved based on dust control and the overall condition of the roads. The number of motorists traveling on each road was an underlying factor but not the main consideration, council said.

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Council is expected to submit Mulberry, North and Cypress streets for possible paving in 2005.

In other business, Clerk Ralph Ray told council the village's funds from the state will be reduced starting in July.

Ray read a letter to council from the state auditor's office explaining village governments will receive a "greatly reduced distribution of funds" in July.

Ray told council the village's spending needs to be watched closely and spending has to be cut. Ray recommended council consider cutting back the village worker's hours prior to summer.

Council also heard a request from a resident, Paul Beynon, to have his trees either trimmed or cut down in the front portion of his property.

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"We couldn't afford to do it. You can see the [financial] problems we're running into," Dixon said. "We just can't do it."

Council told Beynon to call the electric company to have them take care of the trees.

"I'm sure they'll cut it down rather than trim it anymore," said Councilmember Jack DeVolld.

In other business, Park Commissioner Jeff Davis asked council to consider checking the safety of a 5-foot culvert located behind Chancy's Market and U.S. 40.

"That's something that the town needs to take an offensive stand rather than a defensive stand," Davis said.

Council will contact the Guernsey County Highway Department about the matter.